Despite their most recent defeat, a 54-31 loss to the No. 9 Ottawa Gee-Gees this past Saturday at home, York head coach Mike McLean is optimistic with the progress his team has made in its final few games.

“We’re finally putting it all together with a young team, with as many injuries as we’ve had, I’m pretty proud,” he said.

But there is also no doubting the frustration on the Lions end, as a second straight season without a win looms.

McLean acknowledges the road to rebuilding the university’s football program was never going to be an easy one for him and his staff.

“At the end of the day, we’re preaching to the team [that] we’re building,” the coach said.